1815/2 50C MS64 NGC. O-101a, R.2. A fantastic example of
this rarity that is one of the top dozen known, and tied with
several at this grade level. The toning adds greatly to the allure,
with rich copper-gold over lustrous surfaces framed by deep
aqua-blue around the stars and legend. Both dies show minor clash
marks, as seen on a substantial number of those coined in 1815.
Mintage plunged to 47,150 pieces during 1815, perhaps because of
the just-ended War of 1812 (which lasted until 1814), or perhaps
little silver was sent to the Mint in 1815 for coinage. Disruptions
continued in January 1816, when a disastrous fire struck the
Philadelphia Mint outbuildings that housed the rolling equipment
used for silver and gold coinage, and production all but halted for
gold and silver until the equipment was repaired in late 1817. The
disruptions of the War of 1812 brought coinage production virtually
to a halt in 1815. No half cents, large cents, half dimes, dimes,
dollars, quarter eagles or eagles were produced, just a handful of
quarters and half dollars and a token amount of half eagles were
coined. Most of the 1815 coinage produced was distributed through
the Planter's Bank of New Orleans. Even the Economite Hoard, which
contained 111,356 Bust half dollars, had a scant 100 specimens
dated 1815. Most of the coins from that famous hoard were badly
scrubbed, and today would grade XF to AU. How this particular coin
survived in such superlative condition is a mystery, but here it is
in all its glory. NGC and PCGS have graded a combined nine pieces
this high, with a mere four coins seen finer of this date
(11/07).Ex: Bowers and Merena (1/03), lot 310.(Registry
values: N10218) (NGC ID# 24F5, PCGS# 6108)

The Draped Bust Half Dollars of 1796-1797 by Jon Amato is the culmination of more than 10 years of research into the Draped Bust Small Eagle half dollar series, one of the most coveted type coins in American numismatics and one about which remarkably little has been written.

This work will be the premier reference for 1796-1797 half dollars for years to come. Institutions having an extensive numismatic library or coin cabinet will find it a valuable complement to their holdings, and catalogers charged with writing up specimens for auction can now have an indispensable source of background and pedigree information. Likewise, coin dealers seeking to purchase one or more '96 or '97 half dollars for a client or for inventory, and collectors who own, have owned, or desire to own one will want this important reference work for their libraries.